Police: Speeding motorcyclist runs out of gas, charged in St. Charles

ST. CHARLES – Late for work, an 18-year-old motorcyclist going 98 mph on Randall Road was charged Saturday with reckless driving after running out of gas, St. Charles police said.

Matthew James Fricke, of the 36W200 block of Barton Drive, St. Charles, was charged with the Class A misdemeanor because he was traveling more than 40 mph over the posted speed limit, which was 45 mph, police spokesman Paul McCurtain said.

Fricke, who was driving a white Honda motorcycle, was traveling south on Randall Road about 5:30 p.m. when spotted by an officer, who was north on Randall Road approaching Red Gate Road, McCurtain said.
The officer reportedly clocked Fricke at 98 mph in a 45 mph zone.

The officer turned to follow Fricke, who turned left on Middle Creek Road and pulled over, McCurtain said.
The officer parked behind Fricke, activated his emergency lights and asked him if he had a valid excuse for driving that fast, McCurtain said.

Fricke “advised he was late for work and had just ran out of gas,” which is why he pulled over, McCurtain said.

Fricke is expected at Kane County Branch Court at 9 a.m. Aug. 15. If convicted of reckless driving, he could pay a fine of up to $1,000 and/or serve less than a year in county jail, McCurtain said.